Hogan to Head Department of Health and Social Services

July 24, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin today announced the appointment of Bill Hogan as Commissioner of the Department of Health and Social Services.

“I am pleased to have Bill Hogan join the cabinet,” Governor Palin said. “With his experience and five years working for the department, he can continue promoting and protecting the health and well-being of Alaskans. Bill has already started
implementing priorities for the department
including battling substance abuse, promoting health and wellness, continuing with health care reform, developing a plan for caring for seniors in Alaska and meeting the needs of vulnerable Alaskans.”

Hogan has worked for the department since April 2003. He previously served as Deputy Commissioner from September 2005 to May 2008 and as Director of the Division of Behavioral Health from April 2003 to September 2005.

Hogan has spent more than 30 years in the mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities and social work fields, with experience as a clinician, supervisor and administrator.

Before joining the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services in 2003, Hogan was Chief Executive Officer of Life Quest, a private, nonprofit community mental health center located in Wasilla, Alaska.

Hogan holds a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from State University of New York and a master of science degree in social work from West Virginia University. Hogan has served as chair of the Alaska Mental Health Board, board member of the Alaska Community Mental Health Services Association and executive director of the New York State chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.